2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this was evident in its design cues such as hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, and strong fender creases. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model featuring more chrome and presented in Celestial Silver, giving it a somewhat dated look reminiscent of a "cop car." Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard layout, complete with physical dials and buttons for climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The seating was power-adjustable across the lineup, and all models came with a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with higher trims offering a panoramic version.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was often considered one of the most attractive vehicles in the small SUV class, with its graceful curves and timeless design. Despite not being redesigned since 2017, it maintained a luxury SUV appearance. The interior featured high-quality materials and a layout that balanced traditional and modern elements. While it lacked a large infotainment touchscreen, it offered usability with physical buttons and knobs. The CX-5's interior was comparable to last-generation Acura or Lexus models, providing a special feel compared to similarly priced crossovers. The driving experience was enhanced by its sporty dynamics, although the ride was slightly firmer, and the cabin remained quiet, filtering out wind and road noise effectively.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota’s iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase over its predecessor. The fuel economy improved to 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The Sequoia came standard with 4WD in Canada, featuring a part-time system with a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD. The TRD Pro models included a skid plate, and the 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features like Crawl Control. The maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with several towing-related upgrades available.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine choices: a base 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a Turbo model with 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and AWD was standard. The base engine accelerated to 96 km/h in about 8 seconds, while the Turbo model was quicker by two seconds. The CX-5 excelled in handling, with sporty dynamics and minimal body roll, making it enjoyable to drive. The ride was slightly firmer, but the cabin remained quiet, reducing fatigue on longer journeys.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter individuals. The cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 2,460 litres when both second- and third-row seats were folded. Behind the second row, it offered 1,387 litres, and behind the third row, it ranged from 325 to 631 litres. The third-row seats were positioned above the hybrid powertrain’s battery pack, affecting headroom and legroom. The second-row captain’s chairs were available in higher trims, providing comfort but lacking bolstering.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior was stylish and refined, though it lagged behind some rivals in practicality and space. It offered adequate headroom in the back seats, but competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage provided more. The CX-5 excelled in rear legroom compared to the RAV4 but was outdone by the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage. The cargo space was 871 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,680 litres with the rear seatbacks folded. The front seats featured moderately sized storage options, and the infotainment system was easy to operate with a dial. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless options in higher trims.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim was equipped with a 14-inch centre touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A 12.3-inch driver information display was standard across all trims, and the Panoramic View monitor was included in higher trims. The Capstone trim also featured a 10-inch colour head-up display and a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display, controlled via a dial on the centre console. The system was user-friendly, with logical menus and easy operation while driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless options in higher trims. The Premium Plus trim and above included a head-up display, projecting information onto the windshield. The audio system ranged from a four-speaker setup in the base trim to a 10-speaker Bose premium system in the Signature model.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite as standard, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were also standard. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist, available in higher trims. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 received five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it earned four stars. It performed well in IIHS crash tests, but its collision avoidance system received a Poor rating. All trims included forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera. The safety systems operated smoothly during testing.